The Director Corporate Communications and Government Relations provides broad and strategic communications leadership in the areas of public relations, media, internal and external communications, and government relations. The incumbent briefs and provides advice to the Senior Vice-President, Advancement and Business Engagement on current, future and potential issues related to the college, and acts as a champion in promoting the college’s agenda and ensuring its business objectives, priorities and cases are clearly understood. The role strives to continuously improve the reputation of St. Lawrence College among key stakeholders to garner positive publicity and good public relations in achieving St. Lawrence College goals and outcomes. The incumbent develops, implements and evaluates an effective corporate communications approach to strategic projects and initiatives. The incumbent provides communications counsel to colleagues and ensures communications are aligned with the College’s mission, vision and values and adheres to branding standards. The incumbent effectively manages relations to foster strong two-way communications and information-sharing with municipal and regional governments, the Province of Ontario, federal government and other influential community decision-makers and stakeholders. As Champion of the College’s public image, the incumbent manages government and public affairs communications, produces timely and engaging content for print, online and social media communications, and prepares a wide variety of reports, briefing documents, funding proposals and complex correspondence. The incumbent develops, writes and edits a variety of media releases, employee communications, and speeches for public speaking engagements and other internal/external communiques. The incumbent acts as communications advisor to the College Executive and Leadership Team.

Qualifications

A 4-year Degree in a relevant field of study such as Communications, Journalism or Public Relations, Public Administration or Political Science. The incumbent will possess a minimum of 7 years’ related working experience with public policy and communications planning, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the political landscape in Ontario as it affects the priorities of postsecondary education and research as well as one-time and ongoing infrastructure funding. An acceptable combination of education, training and experience may also be considered. A Communication Management Professional Certification (CMP) will be considered an asset. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong and professional verbal and written communications skills, engaging public speaking skills, well developed research and analytical skills and the ability to integrate large, complex communications initiatives in a rapidly changing landscape. A motivated and effective project manager, the ideal candidate is a confident leader with excellent interpersonal, advising, collaborative and teamwork skills who has demonstrated the ability to manage a heavy workload while maintaining attention to detail. The incumbent will also possess exceptional problem-solving and decision-making skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite applications and knowledge of social media technologies is required.

How to Apply: Please send your resume and cover letter to ldavis@sl.on.ca, quoting in the subject line Competition Number: ADMN-PT-17/18-122, Director Corporate Communications & Government Relations.

Note: Your cover letter and resume must be attached as one document only. Your document should be in .pdf, .doc, or .docx format. e.g. in Adobe Acrobat – Portable Document Format or Microsoft Word Format and saved as LastName, FirstName.

The College is committed to employment equity. We encourage members of the designated groups to apply and self-identify. St. Lawrence College is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free selection process. We will make appropriate accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process for applicants with disabilities. To obtain a copy of this position vacancy or any of the position related documents in an alternate format please contact our Human Resources Consultants. Information received relating to accommodation requests will be addressed confidentially.